I just home from having a new alarm installed and figured I'd show my ignorance here before I call up the installer and ask them.

I don't have power locks so the alarm is not tied into any of the door locks on the Jeep.

If I recall how past alarms I've had worked, one way to deactive the alarm without the remote was to use the keys to unlock the vehicle.

Well, since I don't have power locks (and most of the time I don't have doors period), I'm guessing the remote is my only way to deactive the alarm? I like the idea of being able to use a key in case the remote malfunctions, battery dies, etc.

ok, found out my alarm does have an override switch that allows me to disable the alarm if I have the key in the ignition. Of course it's optional, the installer didn't mention it, so it wasn't installed. Geez.

That being said, I'm think adding a lock actuator to the rear gate might be nice instead so I can unlock the rear gate when I want without a key and I could also use that lock to disarm the alarm if the remote craps out on me.

OMG, I am SO pissed at the alarm installer right now. According to the alarm maker, the override switch is not optional and comes w/ the alarm. However, according to the installer: "We didn't sell you the entire alarm system that comes in the box, just the pieces you needed. You can disarm using the door lock and key if you must so you don't really need the override". I'm like WFH, half the rear I don't even have doors you moron! When you sell "pieces" of what is supposed to be an entire system, you should disclose that up front.

BS! I'm far from being an alarm expert, but the override you spoke of should be in the brain of the system plus either the valet button or an other button to push for override.

Did they install the alarm you thought you payed for or an other?

I have a real bad taste for alarm installers. I had 2 alarms installed from "one of the best" and had nothing but trouble plus all the stuff they broke.
The shop my be a good shop but the person they hire might not give a flip or know what he or she is doing.

I'm getting ready to do an install in a 2012 JKU that had no factory elec windows or door locks and it has really been a challenge to get the parts and tech info that I need. Install manuals and wiring description of jeep wiring are almost to impossible to get.

One alarm installer told me 1 to 1 1/2 hours and another told me all day for the same system, same price, WTF. I just dont see how they can remove the dash, put in system, put dash back and do a good job.

I installed/sold/fixed alarms and remote starts and alarms for 5 years at Circuit City Roadshop when they were the place to go. Most alarms will come with a programing switch or button that if you turn the key in the ignition to on and press the button it will over ride the alarm. Adding actuators to the doors or the rear wont work to disarm unless the system is designed that way, its usually a factory feature built into the cars.

You should also have the door trigger option installed as part of the package, it's a wire that hooks up to the dome light trigger in the front of your door surrounds. You should be aware that will be defeated when you pull the doors off and yank the fuse for the light.

And the LED light should have been installed too as a visual indicator that you have an alarm. That is pure laziness that it wasn't.

Also the only type of alarm I would even consider would include a proximity detector which would activate a chirp when/if someone reaches inside when your top is down.

Last piece of advice is to go to a big box store for the install. Best Buy, PC Richard somewhere like that. They sell stuff that has lifetime warranty that you can go to any of their stores for service. Unless you know for a fact Joeyz Auto Jamz (fake) is a good shop with people you would trust to drive your Jeep with your kids in the back don't go there.

I have a viper system installed in my car, got a great deal since I work for Best Buy, and they did the install, know my installer personally, so no concerns there. I did have a motion sensor installed, have had it for quite a while, and have the sensitivity perfect, once you get it adjusted, it's great.